You are inspired. You take on a new Mitzvah. It’s not easy, but you sense the deep satisfaction it provides you, and you are motivated to keep it going. You are on a high.
Fast-forward six weeks. To your credit, you are still holding strong to your resolution, but the magic has subsided, and your motivation to keep it going is naturally at-risk. It’s your new normal, and we struggle to be inspired by the routine and normal.
A few weeks ago, a community member shared with me that she committed to keep her phone off for the 24-hours of Shabbat. I can only imagine the magical feeling of unplugging and letting go of the barrage of constant distraction for the very first time and connecting to the Shabbat spirit like never before. Then I thought to myself: Can I ever introduce that excitement into my Shabbat, if I’ve been doing it like this for as long as I can remember?!
Welcome to the life of Yitzchak (AKA Isaac). Our Torah portion, Vayera, transitions from the life of Avraham to his son's - Yitzchak. Avraham was a revolutionary; he radically disrupted the world of ancient pagans, traveled to the future land of Israel, and captured the world's imagination.
Then came Yitzchak. Yitzchak roamed the same land as his father. Encountered and engaged with the same kings and leaders as his father did. Reopened the same wells his father dug and called them with the same names. How inspiring is that?!
But Yitzchak’s example is vital. Yitzchak shows us the strength of tackling and mastering the routine. To keep the excitement of yesterday’s new Mitzvah going strong today.
If Yitzchak had not remained committed to Avraham’s ideals, nothing would have been left of Avraham’s revolution.
So Avraham shows us how we must dare to blaze a new trail and take on a new Mitzvah, and, no less important, Yitzchak shows us the beauty in maintaining yesterday's revolution and innovation, to ensure an inspired future.
ב"ה